UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: October Issue

UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: October Issue https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ en-us 29 Sep 2026 09:46:01 CST 29 Sep 2026 09:46:01 CST https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/rss.xml Newsweaver mba@uom.ac.cn (The University of Manchester China Centre) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Director's Message https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1636834u2ed?lang=en&rss=true Dear Alumni, Students, Partners and Friends, September is always a moment of renewed energy at the China Centre. New cohorts begin their studies, returning students settle back into their programmes, and colleagues from Manchester are once again in Shanghai. This September, what stayed with me was the energy in our classrooms. Across different programmes, students were bringing their own experiences and challenges into discussions — from strategy and finance to leadership and organisational change. The conversations often went well beyond the subject on the timetable, because everyone in the room had something from their own professional experience to contribute. That is one of the things I value most about the Manchester approach. Learning does not sit separately from professional life. The two inform each other. It is also why I am pleased that so much of our teaching continues to take place face to face in Shanghai. Over two weeks in September, colleagues travelled from Manchester to teach here in person — Professors Paul Taaffe, Rick Audas, Arif Khurshed and John Clark across our MBA and finance programmes, and Professors Paul Armstrong and Bee Hughes with our education leadership cohort. There is something different about being in the same room: a conversation that continues over coffee, an idea challenged in the moment, or a problem from work looked at from a different perspective. I was reminded of this again when I joined the UK-China Global Talent Development Forum in Beijing, held as part of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. One of the questions we discussed was what Chinese companies need as they expand into international markets. Technical expertise remains important, but it is only part of the picture. People also need to understand different markets and cultures, work across different perspectives, make decisions in unfamiliar situations and continue learning as circumstances change. These are capabilities that education can help develop — and they are becoming increasingly important as the nature of work continues to change. If that describes where you find yourself professionally, you are not alone. Several of the people I met in our classrooms over the past month were working through exactly these questions — including some applying now for our Manchester Global MBA January 2027 intake. For anyone considering joining them in January, the first round of our Early Applicant Discount closes on 30 September, with a second round running through to 15 November. Wishing those of you in China a restful National Day holiday. Once it is behind us, we will welcome more colleagues from Manchester to Shanghai for teaching across our programmes. Professors Dawn Holmes, Patricia Perlman-Dee, Malcolm Smith and Marie Aimee Tourres join us over the course of the month. On 12 October, Professor Geoff Thomas will join our roundtable on leadership in a changing world of work, alongside Manchester Global EMBA alumni from Maersk and Schletter China. Later in the month, Professor Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School, will join our AI Forum with the Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association to discuss human–AI collaboration and what it means for organisations and leaders. There is a great deal happening at the China Centre, and much of it is open to you. I hope to see you in Shanghai. Warm regards, Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 CST f7546a50102088bde4898f9941f38083 Feature Article Dear Alumni, Students, Partners and Friends,   September is always a moment of renewed energy at the China Centre. New cohorts begin their studies, returning students settle back into their programmes, and colleagues from Manchester are once again in Shanghai.   This September, what stayed with me was the energy in our classrooms. Across different programmes, students were bringing their own experiences and challenges into discussions — from strategy and finance to leadership and organisational change. The conversations often went well beyond the subject on the timetable, because everyone in the room had something from their own professional experience to contribute. That is one of the things I value most about the Manchester approach. Learning does not sit separately from professional life. The two inform each other.   It is also why I am pleased that so much of our teaching continues to take place face to face in Shanghai. Over two weeks in September, colleagues travelled from Manchester to teach here in person — Professors Paul Taaffe, Rick Audas, Arif Khurshed and John Clark across our MBA and finance programmes, and Professors Paul Armstrong and Bee Hughes with our education leadership cohort. There is something different about being in the same room: a conversation that continues over coffee, an idea challenged in the moment, or a problem from work looked at from a different perspective.   I was reminded of this again when I joined the UK-China Global Talent Development Forum in Beijing, held as part of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. One of the questions we discussed was what Chinese companies need as they expand into international markets. Technical expertise remains important, but it is only part of the picture. People also need to understand different markets and cultures, work across different perspectives, make decisions in unfamiliar situations and continue learning as circumstances change. These are capabilities that education can help develop — and they are becoming increasingly important as the nature of work continues to change.   If that describes where you find yourself professionally, you are not alone. Several of the people I met in our classrooms over the past month were working through exactly these questions — including some applying now for our Manchester Global MBA January 2027 intake. For anyone considering joining them in January, the first round of our Early Applicant Discount closes on 30 September, with a second round running through to 15 November.   Wishing those of you in China a restful National Day holiday. Once it is behind us, we will welcome more colleagues from Manchester to Shanghai for teaching across our programmes. Professors Dawn Holmes, Patricia Perlman-Dee, Malcolm Smith and Marie Aimee Tourres join us over the course of the month. On 12 October, Professor Geoff Thomas will join our roundtable on leadership in a changing world of work, alongside Manchester Global EMBA alumni from Maersk and Schletter China. Later in the month, Professor Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School, will join our AI Forum with the Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association to discuss human–AI collaboration and what it means for organisations and leaders.   There is a great deal happening at the China Centre, and much of it is open to you. I hope to see you in Shanghai.   Warm regards,   Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/d0/3022c219cc6dc5567bcef6.jpg Advance Your Career with Manchester Global Part-time MBA in 2027 https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1tp857esqfm?lang=en&rss=true Designed for ambitious professionals, the Manchester Global Part-time MBA combines the flexibility to study alongside work with an international learning experience. Delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School, the programme’s blended format allows participants to balance study with their professional and personal commitments, while choosing electives aligned with their career goals. The outcomes are strong: graduates report an average 103% salary increase three years after completing the MBA, while joining a global network of more than 60,000 alumni across 176 countries. Global experience is built into the programme, with workshops and electives available in Manchester, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong. In China, participants learn alongside senior professionals from more than 30 countries and regions, bringing diverse industries, perspectives and experiences into the classroom. There is only one Manchester MBA. Wherever you study and whichever pathway you choose, you earn the same qualification from Alliance Manchester Business School. Applications for the January 2027 intake are now open. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 1e691e4f2ffd72461a80f00baecd8483 Feature Article Designed for ambitious professionals, the Manchester Global Part-time MBA combines the flexibility to study alongside work with an international learning experience. Delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School, the programme’s blended format allows participants to balance study with their professional and personal commitments, while choosing electives aligned with their career goals.   The outcomes are strong: graduates report an average 103% salary increase three years after completing the MBA, while joining a global network of more than 60,000 alumni across 176 countries.   Global experience is built into the programme, with workshops and electives available in Manchester, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong. In China, participants learn alongside senior professionals from more than 30 countries and regions, bringing diverse industries, perspectives and experiences into the classroom.   There is only one Manchester MBA. Wherever you study and whichever pathway you choose, you earn the same qualification from Alliance Manchester Business School.   Applications for the January 2027 intake are now open. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/a2/21250f360f658b40c8db23.jpg https://uom.ac.cn/programmes/manchester_en 【China Economic Net】Dr Sherry Fu on developing global talent for Chinese companies https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/9fg1gw8tcm1?lang=en&rss=true Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, spoke at the UK-China Global Talent Development Forum in Beijing on 10 September, held as part of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. In her keynote, Dr Fu explored how Chinese companies expanding internationally need to develop versatile global talent, highlighting four key capabilities: global perspective and strategic judgement, cross-cultural collaboration, digital and AI capability, and a strong understanding of compliance, risk governance and sustainability. “Competition in global expansion is ultimately competition in talent and organisational capability.” 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 2e816423db5288b0f33987d11f222e69 In The Media Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, spoke at the UK-China Global Talent Development Forum in Beijing on 10 September, held as part of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services.   In her keynote, Dr Fu explored how Chinese companies expanding internationally need to develop versatile global talent, highlighting four key capabilities: global perspective and strategic judgement, cross-cultural collaboration, digital and AI capability, and a strong understanding of compliance, risk governance and sustainability.   “Competition in global expansion is ultimately competition in talent and organisational capability.” https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/4f/50d9a280b4bf2a0e2e7ff2.jpg https://www.uom.ac.cn/news/detail/853 12 October, Manchester Global EMBA Roundtable | Leadership in a Changing World of Work https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/7eqb88q9qv3?lang=en&rss=true How is leadership evolving as AI, hybrid working and global business reshape the workplace? The University of Manchester China Centre invites you to an evening of insight and discussion with Dr Geoff Thomas, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Alliance Manchester Business School, alongside Manchester Global EMBA alumni from Maersk and Schletter China. The panel will explore the leadership challenges emerging in today’s rapidly changing world of work, with discussion moderated by Nia Watkin Jones, MBA Assistant Director at Alliance Manchester Business School. Event details 📅 Monday, 12 October ⏰ 19:00–21:00 (registration from 18:30) 📍 The University of Manchester China Centre, Shanghai 🗣️ English The evening will include a panel discussion, Q&A and networking, with an opportunity to hear perspectives from academic and industry leaders and connect with Manchester alumni and business professionals. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST f1d6dd4e68addb65d8de8b052b267ed5 Upcoming Events How is leadership evolving as AI, hybrid working and global business reshape the workplace?   The University of Manchester China Centre invites you to an evening of insight and discussion with Dr Geoff Thomas, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Alliance Manchester Business School, alongside Manchester Global EMBA alumni from Maersk and Schletter China. The panel will explore the leadership challenges emerging in today’s rapidly changing world of work, with discussion moderated by Nia Watkin Jones, MBA Assistant Director at Alliance Manchester Business School.   Event details 📅 Monday, 12 October ⏰ 19:00–21:00 (registration from 18:30) 📍 The University of Manchester China Centre, Shanghai 🗣️ English   The evening will include a panel discussion, Q&A and networking, with an opportunity to hear perspectives from academic and industry leaders and connect with Manchester alumni and business professionals. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/8a/900edfd5b66e4d4972f92b.jpg https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/FD5oENBWaL1j3Ip4Xr1Tfw 15 October, Shanghai | Dialogue with Bankers and Professors: Financial Investment and Investing in Life during the AI Era https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1xdpuvcfyon?lang=en&rss=true In recent years, AI has advanced at an unprecedented pace, rapidly transforming finance, business, and everyday life. From accessing information to making investment decisions, AI is reshaping the way we understand the world and make decisions. As its capabilities continue to evolve, it also raises an important question about the boundary between human judgement and technology: in the age of AI, where can we rely on AI, and where do human judgements remain essential? The same question lies at the heart of financial investment. Whether we are making decisions in the capital markets or navigating our own career paths, we are constantly faced with uncertainty. Beyond discussing how we invest in an industry or a technology, we also want to explore a broader question: if life itself is a long-term investment, how should we make our choices? On the evening of 15 October, join us at the University of Manchester China Centre for a conversation with bankers and professors. Starting from financial investment, we will explore the new opportunities and challenges that AI is bringing to the industry, and reflect on a deeper question: in a rapidly changing AI-driven world, how should we invest in our own future? 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 403165538642703da4531914858053d8 Upcoming Events In recent years, AI has advanced at an unprecedented pace, rapidly transforming finance, business, and everyday life. From accessing information to making investment decisions, AI is reshaping the way we understand the world and make decisions. As its capabilities continue to evolve, it also raises an important question about the boundary between human judgement and technology: in the age of AI, where can we rely on AI, and where do human judgements remain essential?   The same question lies at the heart of financial investment. Whether we are making decisions in the capital markets or navigating our own career paths, we are constantly faced with uncertainty. Beyond discussing how we invest in an industry or a technology, we also want to explore a broader question: if life itself is a long-term investment, how should we make our choices?   On the evening of 15 October, join us at the University of Manchester China Centre for a conversation with bankers and professors. Starting from financial investment, we will explore the new opportunities and challenges that AI is bringing to the industry, and reflect on a deeper question: in a rapidly changing AI-driven world, how should we invest in our own future? https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/b7/74cd3e7599e1564e71b761.jpg https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uemuaKJaurU2NgKG6pBeKw A New Cohort, New Perspectives: MSc Financial Management in Shanghai https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ngo25byz6vr?lang=en&rss=true On Thursday, 17 September, we welcomed the new students of The University of Manchester’s MSc Financial Management (Part-time) programme to their face-to-face workshop at the University of Manchester China Centre. With an average age of around 30 and ages ranging from 23 to 43, this cohort brings together professionals with experience across finance, banking, technology, healthcare, logistics and transportation. Their current roles include Asia Regional CFOs, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Finance Managers, Senior Auditors, Corporate Account Managers, Financial Consultants, AI Engineers and Business Development Managers. The cohort also represents a genuinely international community, with students from China, including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan, as well as Singapore, Germany, Malaysia and Cambodia. Many bring experience from Big Four accounting firms, multinational banks and leading global organisations, creating a rich mix of professional perspectives and experiences. During the workshop, students explored two core areas of financial decision-making with: • John Clark, Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Management, Finance, Business & Accountancy at Alliance Manchester Business School, who led the Accounting Decision Making workshops. • Professor Arif Khurshed, Professor of Finance and Course Director of the MSc Financial Management at Alliance Manchester Business School, who led the Financial Decision Making workshops. It was a great opportunity to see students from different industries, functions and countries come together in Shanghai to connect academic learning with their own professional experience. Welcome to Manchester, and wishing the new cohort an inspiring journey ahead. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 675b8139d434ec7229f004039654dd74 Recap of Academics' Visit to China On Thursday, 17 September, we welcomed the new students of The University of Manchester’s MSc Financial Management (Part-time) programme to their face-to-face workshop at the University of Manchester China Centre. With an average age of around 30 and ages ranging from 23 to 43, this cohort brings together professionals with experience across finance, banking, technology, healthcare, logistics and transportation. Their current roles include Asia Regional CFOs, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Finance Managers, Senior Auditors, Corporate Account Managers, Financial Consultants, AI Engineers and Business Development Managers. The cohort also represents a genuinely international community, with students from China, including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan, as well as Singapore, Germany, Malaysia and Cambodia. Many bring experience from Big Four accounting firms, multinational banks and leading global organisations, creating a rich mix of professional perspectives and experiences. During the workshop, students explored two core areas of financial decision-making with: • John Clark, Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Management, Finance, Business & Accountancy at Alliance Manchester Business School, who led the Accounting Decision Making workshops. • Professor Arif Khurshed, Professor of Finance and Course Director of the MSc Financial Management at Alliance Manchester Business School, who led the Financial Decision Making workshops. It was a great opportunity to see students from different industries, functions and countries come together in Shanghai to connect academic learning with their own professional experience. Welcome to Manchester, and wishing the new cohort an inspiring journey ahead.  https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/8e/077bb25bec7209acc1231a.jpeg Educational Leadership in Practice: Learning, Dialogue and Collaboration in Shanghai https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/vce7k9wn522?lang=en&rss=true From 18–20 September 2026, the Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) workshop brought together 37 Year 1 and Year 2 students from leading international schools and international departments across China, including Dulwich Suzhou, Wellington Hangzhou and Tianjin, Harrow Beijing, Hangzhou Dingwen and Wycombe Abbey Changzhou. Across three days in Shanghai, students explored key themes including educational leadership research, models of educational leadership, leading educational change, and educational policy and leadership, led by Dr Paul Armstrong and Dr Bee Hughes. The workshop combined academic learning with practical perspectives. A highlight was a session with Xiaowei Ma (Allan), an ELiP alumnus admitted in 2024 and graduating with Distinction in 2026, who shared insights from his professional practice and learning journey. Students also took part in collaborative workshops, working in groups to analyse key texts, present their ideas and receive feedback from peers and tutors. These face-to-face sessions provided an opportunity to put the principles of blended learning into practice, complemented by individual tutorials for more focused discussion with tutors. On 19 September, the China Centre also hosted a Dialogue with Academics, bringing together Dr Armstrong, Dr Hughes, Dr Sherry Fu, and ELiP student Yolanda Kong from Dulwich College Suzhou to explore the changing landscape of educational leadership in international education. The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for educators from across China to connect research, practice and experience — and to learn from one another. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST 7914ae8ac6aa1aea2bd792994643ab8f Recap of Academics' Visit to China From 18–20 September 2026, the Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) workshop brought together 37 Year 1 and Year 2 students from leading international schools and international departments across China, including Dulwich Suzhou, Wellington Hangzhou and Tianjin, Harrow Beijing, Hangzhou Dingwen and Wycombe Abbey Changzhou.   Across three days in Shanghai, students explored key themes including educational leadership research, models of educational leadership, leading educational change, and educational policy and leadership, led by Dr Paul Armstrong and Dr Bee Hughes.   The workshop combined academic learning with practical perspectives. A highlight was a session with Xiaowei Ma (Allan), an ELiP alumnus admitted in 2024 and graduating with Distinction in 2026, who shared insights from his professional practice and learning journey.   Students also took part in collaborative workshops, working in groups to analyse key texts, present their ideas and receive feedback from peers and tutors. These face-to-face sessions provided an opportunity to put the principles of blended learning into practice, complemented by individual tutorials for more focused discussion with tutors.   On 19 September, the China Centre also hosted a Dialogue with Academics, bringing together Dr Armstrong, Dr Hughes, Dr Sherry Fu, and ELiP student Yolanda Kong from Dulwich College Suzhou to explore the changing landscape of educational leadership in international education. The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for educators from across China to connect research, practice and experience — and to learn from one another. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/ac/6a1b5bb12e05bf6a4af9da.jpeg China’s IPO Market and the CFO-to-CEO Journey https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/15lztt2ghw1?lang=en&rss=true How does China’s IPO market work, and what changes when a CFO steps up to CEO? On 19 September, we brought together academic expertise and senior industry experience for a masterclass and roundtable in Shanghai. Professor Arif Khurshed, Professor of Finance at Alliance Manchester Business School, explored how China’s IPO market works, covering pricing, regulation and key considerations for investors. He was then joined by Allen Zhang, Global MBA alumnus and CEO of Wanzl Group’s East Asia region, for a conversation on the transition from CFO to CEO — and how the questions, priorities and responsibilities change along the way. The session was chaired by Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, bringing together perspectives from finance, leadership and business practice. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 27d962255798aa3712ac5abf9aa5bcc8 Events Review How does China’s IPO market work, and what changes when a CFO steps up to CEO?   On 19 September, we brought together academic expertise and senior industry experience for a masterclass and roundtable in Shanghai. Professor Arif Khurshed, Professor of Finance at Alliance Manchester Business School, explored how China’s IPO market works, covering pricing, regulation and key considerations for investors.   He was then joined by Allen Zhang, Global MBA alumnus and CEO of Wanzl Group’s East Asia region, for a conversation on the transition from CFO to CEO — and how the questions, priorities and responsibilities change along the way.   The session was chaired by Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, bringing together perspectives from finance, leadership and business practice. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/0b/8d8ec7d4d0d3b129f9d724.jpeg 20 October, UoM x Peking University-AI Forum https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/64f43hjtxdj?lang=en&rss=true How can leaders move beyond using AI as a tool and build meaningful human–AI collaboration? On 20 October, The University of Manchester China Centre, together with the Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association and partners, will host the “AI as a Partner” AI Forum in Shanghai. The forum will bring together academics, alumni, entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore how AI is reshaping leadership, innovation and value creation. The forum will feature a keynote from Professor Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School, followed by a roundtable discussion with alumni and industry leaders from the Manchester and Peking University communities. Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, will also join the forum as a featured speaker. 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 2dbb2fa66cbb4060f2ba767baaefc374 Career and Alumni Events How can leaders move beyond using AI as a tool and build meaningful human–AI collaboration?   On 20 October, The University of Manchester China Centre, together with the Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association and partners, will host the “AI as a Partner” AI Forum in Shanghai. The forum will bring together academics, alumni, entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore how AI is reshaping leadership, innovation and value creation.   The forum will feature a keynote from Professor Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School, followed by a roundtable discussion with alumni and industry leaders from the Manchester and Peking University communities. Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, will also join the forum as a featured speaker. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/c0/2bce75aae63be20aee0aae.jpg https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nMegAPdGvzdXvoagvC4XXw